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HAZLETON — Authorities say a 13-year-old girl was struck by a stray bullet from her father’s firearm Sunday afternoon.
According to a press release from Hazleton Chief of Police Jerry Speziale:
Police responded to the 500 block of Walter Street for a reported 13-year-old female gunshot victim.
Officers arrived to find the girl was struck by a stray bullet from her father’s gun, who authorities say is licensed to carry the weapon. The father is 35-year-old security guard.
Information provided to Hazleton Detective Brett Green by the father said he accidentally fired a round from his firearm while in his bedroom. which went through a piece of furniture and through a wall striking his 13-year-old daughter.
Apparently the buffer of furniture and wall prevented the bullet from fatally wounding the victim, the release notes.
There is an ongoing investigation between the Hazleton City Detective Division and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the father was negligent in his actions.
If the fathers actions are deemed negligent or reckless behavior was demonstrated, authorities will file charges.
“Thank God the child was not wounded seriously,” Speziale said in a prepared statement. “However, gun safety is paramount when children are present.”